21
Dec
2010
I was at Turks 12/4 - 12/11. My second visit to Turks. I met up with 2 friends and we had separate rooms in the 'B' building (toward scuba), ground floor.Dec
2010
Airport-to-village transportation and check in went smoothly. The reception team was efficient and responsive.
The village was 90-95% full during my week, according to planning and reception.
We were on 'Club Med Time' (one hour forward of island time)
CDV
The CDV was Nicola upon arrival, but he left on the 6th for a meeting in Miami and left Cassio in charge. Both did a good job staying visible. Cassio did a great job expediting my shower repair.
WEATHER
Weather was mostly decent. Surf was very heavy due to off shore storm activity. Some days it was windy, some it wasn't. But the heavy surf persisted through most of the week and made it difficult to sail. I saw very few wind surfers.
ROOM
My room was clean, neat and comfortable. Water bottles were always replaced - typically there were 4 small bottles. There was a turn-down service, which I usually skipped because it was during the time that always showered prior to dinner. There were 2 CM supplied robes and 2 CM supplied slippers, which was nice. Also, the bath products have been improved (a new brand). Rooms now have new radios that will play your iPhone/iPod.
CROWD
The crowd was primarily French Canadian. Average age seemed to be around 45. Half to two-thirds of the GM's were couples. There were a good number of 30-40-something singles (and couples) who typically came out after the evening show to party near the main bar. Very few 20-something’s, but some. Also a strong showing of 60-70-something couples and singles. Very diverse, but the predominant age group is 40-50-something. The village energy level was slightly lower than average and it seemed like approximately half of the GM's were athletic to the extent of lounge-chair surfing. However there were also highly active individuals who wore themselves out during the day at various sports.
FOOD
I ate only at the main restaurant. The second restaurant was by reservation only, and was open every other night - 68 reservations went quickly. Sharkies still functions as a snack bar, and even though I didn't eat there, the food looked good and people seemed to be enjoying it.
Overall, food was very good. Better than it was during my last visit here in December 2005. The main restaurant had it's themes: Asian, Greek, Mexican, Elegant, BBQ (the BBQ was good). The beef Wellington was particularly good this time. Roasted chicken is always good. There was always some nice sauteed fresh fish. They were also preparing vegetarian specialties.
Chocolate bread is alive and well - white and dark. Try a slice with some ice cream on top. CM is now selling loafs for $9.50 for those who want to take it home.
DRINK
Meal wines were all decently drinkable, with the Rose' being my least favorite. The house sparkling was a Spanish Cava and was good. Beers were draft only, local Turk's beer only - lager and amber. The Lager was very good to my tastes. Booze brands were OK, and extra cost beer, booze and wine were available. The prices were high. I never saw anyone buy premium beverages - with the exception of a couple bottles of Champagne here and there. One person was always buying Pelligrino water at $5/bottle. A bucket of Corona is now $18 (for 6). Bar service was very good. Drinks were generally well made, yet often inconsistent depending upon bartender. After a while, you learn your favorite bartenders for your drink of pleasure. It becomes fun to taste the different styles of, say, frozen margarita’s. Logan makes a totally amazing Bloody Mary. Bar hours are 9:30 am to 3am. Sharkies is 2:30pm to early evening some time...
COFFEE
Restaurant coffee is OK, not great. Ditto the multi-purpose espresso machine in the restaurant - I think it was using the same beans as the regular potted coffee since it tasted the same. However, the bar-made espressos, cappuccino's and machiatto's were excellent.
ENTERTAINMENT
The shows were fun and all held in the main theater - with the exception of a GM Circus show held on the other side of Sharkies at the Circus venue. Shows usually start around 9:30 or 9:45 with crazy signs or some type of warm up near the bar, then move to the theater. After the show, there is usually a party of some type at the bar. One night a week the party takes place at Sharkies (beach bar). Crazy signs are definitely alive and well!
GYM
The gym has been upgraded substantially since my last visit here. Plus it has been moved to the center of the village. Small, but very well equipped.
There are also twice daily Zumba and other fitness classes, and stretching. Zumba was held in front of the main bar. Water aerobics were also held twice daily.
CIRCUS
The circus activity was lively. Many people participated and there was one night where the evening show was entirely dedicated to GM performers, one after the other – this show was held at the Circus site.
The circus GO team was talented. In my opinion, the best show during the week was the one night the Circus GO's performed in the main theater – I enjoyed it as I would Cirque de Soleil.
SAILING
The GO team here was great, and very helpful. There are many boats to choose from – several 16’ Hobies, 5 or so small resort Hobies, and 3 larger resort Hobies. I solo-sailed a small resort Hobie and noticed that it needed a lot of maintenance. It was pretty ragged. The bigger boats were used less frequently and appeared to be in better shape.
It took two GO's to help get the boat out, and then back in due to rough surf. Thanks Patrick!
KITE SURFING
This is not an official sport at this village. However, since my last exposure to this sport at CM Sonora Bay (where it WAS an official sport), it has become much easier to learn. The excursion office offered classes at $90/hr, 2-hour minimum. There was one instructor on site at all times. In talking with him, it seemed like it would be possible to be functional at this cool sport with 3-4 hours of lessons (particularly if you had experience with similar sports). This differs from the 6 day program mandated at Sonora Bay which sucked up an entire week and felt like going to a 'job'!
EXCURSIONS
The excursion office is directly across from reception. This is operated by an outside vendor, Big Blue Adventures. The office personnel were locals so they knew quite a bit about Turks.
Available were various cruises, tours, snorkel trips offsite, fishing, horseback riding, wave runners and submarine rides. Also kite surfing (covered as a sport).
It is also possible to go para-sailing by dealing with an on-foot beach vendor. Water skiing is also available in a protected lagoon. Neither of these is offered by the excursion vendor, but could be.
There is also golf right across from Club Med at the only course in Turks and Caicos. http://www.provogolfclub.com/
SCUBA/SNORKEL
This is still a dedicated Scuba village. CM as both a snorkel and a dive boat. There were a lot of people enjoying these sports, even though the surf was relatively heavy.
GAMBLING (yes, Gambling)
There are 6 slot machines at Club Med. I only saw a couple people playing. However, there is a casino located roughly 100 meters from the entry to Club Med. The Casablanca Casino is a moderate sized, modern casino. Hours are 2p to 4a, closed Sunday (remember the hour difference if you are on Club Med time). Games are: Blackjack, Poker (Caribbean Progressive and Texas Hold’em), Dice (Craps), Baccarat and Roulette – and of course slot machines. http://www.thecasablancacasino.com/
INTERNET
Club Med Turks has Wi-Fi that can be purchased for $59 per week, or $5 per hour. There is also a small Internet room with 3 computers and a printer located upstairs directly across from the gym and above one of the massage rooms – same prices as W
